The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic today announced the start of negotiations for the potential acquisition of the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its military transport aircraft. The decision to begin negotiations for the possible purchase was based on an assessment and market analysis prepared by the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic, which identified the C-390 as the most suitable solution to meet the requirements of the country's Army.
The Czech Republic intends to acquire two aircraft that will significantly expand its air transport capacity, allowing the Czech Army to carry out air assault, aerial refueling, medical evacuation, humanitarian aid and firefighting operations. Furthermore, the C-390 Millennium has less maintenance when compared to other aircraft, resulting in greater availability and lower costs throughout its operations cycle.
“We are honored to have been selected by the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces to begin negotiations on this significant acquisition. We are ready to provide the Czech Republic with the most advanced tactical transport aircraft available on the market.”, said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“The C-390 Millennium is attracting the attention of several nations around the world due to its unbeatable combination of high productivity and operational flexibility with low operating costs.”
Initial negotiations have already begun and envisage the g of a contract for the acquisition of two aircraft and associated . The contract also includes a complete training solution for pilots and technicians, supply of spare parts and a robust start-up plan with the local presence of the Embraer team in the country at the beginning of the process.
Following this announcement, the Czech Republic becomes the sixth nation and fourth NATO country in Europe to choose the C-390, followed by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands and Austria. The C-390 is redefining military airlift and challenging the mindset behind current and future generation platforms with built-by-design multimission capability and interoperability.
Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet of six aircraft has an operational availability of around 80%, with a mission completion rate above 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in its category.
The Czech Republic is an active partner in the development and production of the C-390 Millennium, and today's announcement will strengthen Embraer's cooperation with local industries. The Czech company Aero Vodochody is already a strategic partner and supplier for the program, producing parts of the rear fuselage, the doors for paratroopers and crew, the emergency door and hatches, the loading ramp and the fixed leading edge.
The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wider range of missions such as transport and launch. of cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways such as compacted earth, soil and gravel.
The aircraft configured with air-to-air refueling equipment, designated KC-390, has already proven its aerial refueling capabilities both as a tanker and as a receiver, in this case receiving fuel from another KC-390 through pods installed under the wings.
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